Barbara May Morrow Crane

Barbara May Morrow Crane, 69, passed away at St. John's hospital, in Springfield, Mo., on Friday, Jan. 2, 2009, after a long struggle with emphysema and other health problems. Barbara was born near Fort Scott (in Bourbon County), on Feb. 11, 1939, to Clarence Norman Morrow, of Lamar, Mo., and Mildred Blanche Tyler Morrow, of El Dorado Springs, both deceased. Barbara grew up and received her education in Moline, Elk City, and Cherryvale, Kan., and Iantha and Liberal, Mo. Barbara then began a diverse career including employment with Howard Johnson Inc., in Kansas City, Mo., Key Manufacturing, in Stockton, Mo., and El Dorado Springs R-II School District, in El Dorado Springs. She very much enjoyed her work beside her husband and family on the farm.

In 1966 she was married to Roe Laverne Crane and to this union were born three children. Barbara and Roe reared their children on a successful livestock and row crop farm near Filley, Mo. She was very proud of her work as a wife and mother and her work on the farm beside her husband and family. She especially enjoyed the animals and livestock, particularly the swine operation that she managed. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband Roe L. Crane and by her sister Raye Alice Morrow Pottorff.

Barbara was known for her strength, kindness, and humor. She never failed to help another person in need and she dearly loved all animals and birds; she fed whatever came to her house. Barbara always believed in being authentic and real to those around her. Barbara also believed that instead of telling others of God's love, it was best to show God's love. Barbara was such an inspiration to others and she touched the lives of all the people she met.

Survivors are: her three children from her union with Roe, Nancy Leann Crane, of Huntersville, N.C., Kenny Laverne Crane, of Butler, Mo., and Bradley Leroy Crane and his wife Jamie Crane, of El Dorado Springs. Her other surviving children include: Gerald Watts, of Anderson, Mo., Carrie Sue Watts Frakes, of Oak Grove, Mo., Mary Lou Watts, of Lamar, Mo., Teri Faye Watts, of the state of California, Sherri May Watts Boyd, of the state of Florida, and Carolyn Bea Watts Furrow and her husband Dale Furrow, of Baltimore, Md. Also surviving are two sisters, Betty Carol Morrow Judy and her husband Clarence Gene Judy, of Hamburg, Iowa, and Priscilla Ann Morrow Crockett and her husband Darrle Crockett, of Lamar, Mo. Other survivors include 19 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends that will miss her terribly.

Barbara believed Jesus Christ was the Son of God and that He died on the cross for our sins of the world. Barbara admired and was close friends with the Rev. Wendell Daniel, of the Church of the Nazarene, in El Dorado Springs. The Rev. Daniel has always been a comfort and blessing to both Barbara and her family.

Honorary pallbearers were: Kenny Crane, Bradley Crane, Robert Wayne Evans, Gerald Watts Sr., Gerald Watts Jr., Clarence Judy, Darrel Crocket, Walt Kenney, and Doyle Barker.

Visitation was Monday, Jan. 5, from 6-8 p.m., at Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home, in El Dorado Springs. Graveside services for Barbara Crane were held on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Stockton, Mo., at City Cemetery with the Rev. Wendell Daniel officiating under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home. In honoring Barbara's wishes, all cash memorials should be sent to: Church of the Nazarene, 3896 South Highway 32, El Dorado Springs, MO 64744, (417) 876-4974, to be used to help those in need.